Seoul completes 'Golden Aviation Circle': Ma

Taipei Songshan Airport had been Taiwan's only international aviation gateway until 1979, when the Chiang Kai-shek Airport, which was later renamed Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport, opened in Taoyuan County to handle international flights.

Cheap Flights Available

The first direct flight from Taipei Songshan Airport to Seoul's Gimpo Airport departed at 9:25 a.m. yesterday morning, carrying 155 passengers. The efficiency of direct flights is what passengers most appreciate about the new service. “If only the ticket prices could be even cheaper,” passengers of the first flight said.

Ticket prices are not unreasonable — sales for economy class seating for China Airlines (華航) flights leaving before May 31 are NT$12,507, and those for Eva Air (長榮) are NT$12,791. Compared to the Korean airlines flying the same route, however, the Taiwanese airlines are asking for big money: the first flight offered by Korea's Eastar Jet — which arrived at 12:45 p.m. today — only cost passengers NT$5,800, while those flying after May will pay NT$9,689. Those who fly into Taiwan on the first three T'way flights pay NT$8,888, and flights after May cost NT$9,888.

Because of the price difference, a young passenger commented today that she would consider flying on Korean airlines the next time she visits Korea.

A China Airlines plane receives a final cleaning prior to departing for South Korea's Gimpo Airport, in Taipei, yesterday morning. The plane was the first-ever passenger plane to fly the direct route from Taipei to South Korea, which was inaugurated yesterday, and marked the completion of President Ma Ying-jeou's “Golden Aviation Circle” campaign promise.